Society of Illustrators 2012 Scholarships

The American Academy of Art is pleased to announce that the 111-year old New York-based Society of Illustrators (the Society) has selected five of its students for its prestigious and highly competitive 2012 Annual Student Scholarship Competition and exhibition.

A jury of professional peers, including art directors and illustrators, selected the best works based on the quality of technique, concept and skill of medium used. Of the 8,119 works that were submitted and reviewed, only 253 were selected for the 2012 exhibition.
The five American Academy of Art students selected include:

“I am really proud of these young artists,” stated the Academy’s Illustration Chair Rich Kryczka. “To have your work selected from a field of more than 8,000 pieces is a great affirmation.”

The Society was founded in NYC in 1901 by nine artists and one businessman with the following credo: “The object of the Society shall be to promote generally the art of illustration and to hold exhibitions from time to time.” It has a rich history rooted in traditional illustration.

Only one other Chicago-based school had students among the winners (Columbia College with three winners).

Beginning May 9 through June 2, 2012, the Museum of American Illustration in New York will display the students’ original, framed artwork. It will also print the 253 pieces in a limited-edition, full-color catalog.

Awards and certificates will be given to the students during the opening reception on Friday, May 18, 2012, 6 – 9 p.m. The Society will award scholarships worth $60,000 to approximately 25 students whose work is deemed the best. According to the Society, it has awarded more than $1,500,000 to winning students during the last 30 years.

Students Jacob Martin and Jacob Sanders will join Kryczka in attending the May 18th opening.

“This is a tremendous honor for our students and for our institution,” explained Richard Otto, the Academy’s president. “Only in 2007 did the Academy have as many as five students selected for the scholarship competition.”